Senior Equipment Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

1050

Milpitas, CA, United States

Posted on: 2025-09-24

Category: renewables

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Employment type:

Full time

Experience required:

Senior

Salary

Salary not provided

About the company:

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is on a mission to deliver clean fusion energy to the planet fast enough to matter for humanity’s biggest challenges.

It’s urgent. The gap between the energy we need and the energy we have is widening every day. Fusion is a critical part of the energy transition away from fossil fuels, a new chapter for the world’s energy supply.

We’re committing to delivering fusion power plants and a full-fledged fusion energy industry as we’ve delivered on other promises. Like the world’s strongest high-temperature superconducting magnet, the game-changing technology that’s making commercial fusion energy a reality.

We’ve raised over $2 billion in capital — more than any other fusion energy company — and attracted top talent to design, build, and deliver commercial fusion power plants. And we’re working with policymakers and suppliers to make fusion energy available globally.

As we push toward the fusion-energy future, we’ll keep setting and meeting milestones, sharing and validating our progress, and encouraging others to do the same.

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.

Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.

We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.

Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.

If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Senior Equipment Engineer - R&D & Pilot Line Vacuum Deposition (Sputtering & Evaporation)

We’re looking for a hands-on Equipment Engineer to join our R&D and pilot-line team and help build the next generation of thin-film deposition technology. The Equipment Engineer will be responsible for supporting, maintaining, and improving high-vacuum sputtering and evaporation systems used in R&D and pilot-line operations. This role requires strong technical expertise, procedural discipline, and the ability to collaborate across engineering and operations functions to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performance equipment operation. If you enjoy working on complex equipment, mentoring others, and solving problems in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

#LI-Onsite

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, “Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.

What you'll do:

Lead installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification of sputtering and evaporation systems, including vendor factory acceptance testing (FAT)

Develop and maintain procedures including SOPs, PM schedules, and LOTO documentation in compliance with OSHA, SEMI, and internal standards

Train and mentor equipment technicians in safe operation, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of deposition tools

Collaborate with process engineers, design engineers, and facilities teams to drive improvements in equipment performance, reliability, and integration

Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex equipment issues

Implement upgrades, retrofits, and reliability improvements with coordination across vendors and internal stakeholders

Track equipment uptime, maintenance history, and performance metrics for continuous improvement

Ensure strict adherence to safety standards and support EHS initiatives

What we’re looking for:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or related engineering field (or equivalent practical experience)

5+ years of experience with semiconductor or thin-film deposition equipment, specifically sputtering and evaporation

Strong background in vacuum systems (HV/UHV), pumps (roughing, turbo, cryo), gauges, and leak detection

Demonstrated ability to write and implement procedures (SOPs, PMs, LOTO)

Hands-on experience with equipment startup, commissioning, and qualification

Proven ability to train and support technical staff

Effective cross-functional communicator with strong troubleshooting skills

Commitment to safety, reliability, and documentation discipline

Bonus points for:

Experience in R&D or pilot-line environments

Experience with magnetron sputtering sources, evaporation sources (thermal or e-beam), and high-vacuum chamber design

Familiarity with process gases, cryogenics, or thermal control systems

Knowledge of automation platforms (Beckhoff, Siemens) or data acquisition systems

Proficiency with CAD (NX preferred) or basic design review capability

Prior experience in FAT/SAT processes and vendor equipment qualification

Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for material science or semiconductor R&D

Must-have Requirements:

Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs

Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time

Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics

Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

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